Family Work Day

After a couple of major tantrums from the kids when we've asked them to clean up their things, we have decided that our kids really need to learn how to work.  Phase 1 of the Stringham Children Work Training Plan involves yard work.  This is how we spent the first part of the holiday - with all able workers participating.  The older kids actually put in some good effort - which was a nice change.  One of them did run off every few minutes to check the time so they would know how much longer they had to keep at it, but still an improvement. (I'm sure the threat of no summer solstice party if they wouldn't help out was a little bit of a motivator.)   We didn't make them work all day.  We enjoyed a lunch of jambas and bagels and had fun at a Memorial Day barbeque at the Burt's house.

After this I think phase 2 will involve toilets, floors and possibly laundry.

Sunday Naps

Even the youngest among us can succumb to the warmth and relaxation that comes with holding a sleeping baby.  Jonas offered to hold the baby while I was helping the girls get ready for church.  Shawn was trying to talk to Jonas and didn't know why he wouldn't respond.  This would be why.  He was sound asleep - at 11:30 in the morning.  I don't think Jonas has slept during the day since he was two!  They both enjoyed a nice little catnap before church and we were all entertained.

A Sure Sign That Summer is Almost Here...

The time has finally come.  Amelia has asked at least once a week all winter and spring, "when can we go boating again?"  She was so excited when she woke up the other day and saw the boat in the driveway.  (Actually we were all really excited.)
We had one failed attempt at boating last night because of wind and white caps on the water.  (Of course, it died down once we finally gave up hope and headed home.)  We still enjoyed a nice picnic with the Dunfords at Echo, and our kids had a lot of fun running around together.  Amelia was really upset that we didn't go out on the water but we'll try again before the holiday weekend is gone.

The Long and Short of It

Jonas will claim that it was blackmail,  that we forced him into getting a haircut.  He was clearly so happy about it.  But, in fact, it was part of a deal that he made with Shawn.  I explained to him that if it had been blackmail, he wouldn't have gotten anything out of it.  Besides his hair grows so fast, he'll hardly be aware of it being short.

I actually don't mind his long hair, but it has been such a long time since we have actually seen the tops of his ears, his eyebrows (and eyes, lately) and the back of his neck, that it seemed like a nice change.  Besides - swim season starts next week.  I think he'll be thanking us before too long.  And now we can see what a good looking kid he is!